Energy Secretary Steven Chu discusses the 65% savings on electric bills and lowered maintenance costs the National Parks Service is experiencing by switching to energy efficient LED lights. "Using energy-efficient LED light bulbs is an important way Americans can save money by saving energy," said Secretary Chu. "Investing in an American economy that is built to last includes taking advantage of all of America's energy resources while working to improve efficiency. Installing these energy-efficient bulbs on the National Mall is an important demonstration of our commitment to partnering with the private sector to promote energy saving technologies." The bulbs are expected to last 25 years.

Close up of one of the 174 LED Retrofit Kits for Outdoor Lighting, provided by OSRAM Sylvania, that has been retrofitted into a vintage, Olmsted light fixture. PEPCO, a DC area utility, donated time and labor to install the retrofits over the last few months of 2011. PEPCO also installed the original fixtures in 1936, which were specified by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. as 21 foot tall, 300 pound, fluted bronze base and cast iron light fixtures for the federal reconstruction and beautification project of the National Mall.

Former Multimedia Producer, contractor to the U.S. Department of Energy

Last night, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar ushered in a new era for energy efficiency on the National Mall when they flipped the switch on LED lights in 174 vintage Olmsted lampposts. The bulbs are expected to last up to 25 years and save 65% on energy bills.